Jesus is the Reason for the Season

Welcome! We are delighted to have you with us as we celebrate the Good News of our Savior's birth! If you've come from Kelly's blog, you are right on track! If you'd like to start at the beginning so you don't miss out, you'll want to head over to Heather's blog. We are a small band of blogging crafters who love God, and in the midst of all the seasonal festivities, we wanted to take some time to focus on the real meaning of Christmas: the birth of Jesus Christ. Of course there's nothing wrong with hustling and bustling about to find the "perfect gifts" for our loved ones. But when you stop to think about it, there will never be a gift more perfect than the gift God gave us in Jesus.

Gifts for You!!!
Thank you sooooo much to our very generous sponsors who have made gift giving possible!

• Fresh Brewed Designs: 4 Christmas/Faith digital images plus 2 of winner's choice
• Simply Betty Stamps: Jude & His Shenanigans Crew Christmas Collection (6 digital images)
• The Stamping Boutique: 2 Faith digital images plus 4 images of winner's choice

3 winners will be chosen (one for each store gift above) from comments on select blogs, but it is a secret as to which blogs the winning comments will be chosen from! Be sure to comment on all blogs so you don't miss out!!!

There also might be a little something for you hidden in this post, so keep reading : )

Happy Birthday Kaycee!
This is the card I made for a dear friend who lost her daughter last year. We celebrated Kaycee's 1st Birthday with Jesus on November 24, 2010. Kaycee loved birthday parties, so I had to include the embossed cupcake background as well as the cupcake charm! The dove, of course, is symbolic of the Holy Spirit -- Who lived within Kaycee -- and Who brought her safely into the arms of Jesus, where she celebrates in Glorious Style everyday! I love you, Deborah ♥♥♥

Miracles...
The last Hop I participated in was for Breast Cancer Awareness. I shared my own Breast Cancer story and journey of healing with many visitors. You can read more about it Here. This time, I'd love for you to sit back and relax while I tell you another story! If you love to hear about miracles, you won't want to miss this lol!

If you know me at least a little bit, you know that I can tell a pretty long story at times... but don't worry, I'll try to give you the condensed version hee hee!!!

The Voice of the LORD
As I woke up one morning, I heard the voice of the LORD. On most any other day, I would love to hear what He had to say, but not this time. He was direct and to the point: "You have cancer." I questioned Him, "LORD?" (hoping to hear a word of healing). He was faithful and DID tell me... "I AM healing you." Now what was I supposed to do with that? I was left to the silence of my bedroom.

Jesus Appears
*Fast forward A LOT* Jesus came to me while I slept one night. I was lying down with Jesus on my right side at my head. I felt something wet on my chest, wondering why I would be covered with water... As I looked, I saw that it was blood - not just any blood, but the BLOOD OF THE LAMB! I was so excited!!! These were the Words God spoke to me three years earlier, "Healed by the Blood of the Lamb." Then Jesus reached down into my abdomen and took something out. I was moaning due to the pain, but it didn't last very long. I saw Him leave as He moved to my left side past my feet.

You'd Think I'd Believe...
*More Fast Forwarding* One day a friend went with me to my doctor to find out the results of the biopsy. The doctor said that if it was cancer, I'd have to be referred to a Specialist, so this appointment would reveal the next steps. As we walked to the front door of the building, my friend reminded me that Jesus already healed me. I wasn't totally sure. Yes, God said He would heal me. He appeared to me in a dream where He removed something. But I could not be 100% positive that He had ALREADY healed me. I had gone through 'hell' with Breast Cancer and knew that sometimes God allows us to go through trials instead of delivering us from trials.

A Sigh of Relief
Oh blessed be the Name of the LORD!!! NO cancer!!! Praise You, Jesus!!!

*Even more fast forwarding* A complete hysterectomy was performed on me November 6, 2009. No uterus, no fallopian tubes, no ovaries... nothing - totally gutted! And now with no breasts, I've changed my name to Lawrence HA HA HA HA! Just kidding : ) Everything was checked for signs of cancer - not one single cell was found. Did Jesus heal me? OH YEA... Does He still perform miracles today? You betcha!!! Just ask me - I've got LOTS more stories...

I am eternally grateful that God has spared my life and for the witness He is allowing me to be for Him. Will I ever stop telling my story? Not as long as I have breath!!!

More Gifts
...and now... if you've read this far (I know, you started with coffee and a donut, and now it's time for dinner lol!) I have a little surprise for someone : ) Do you need a CRICUT cutting mat? I have a 2 pack (for use with paper sizes up to 6" x 12"). One mat has been used slightly, but is almost in new condition. I will also throw in some other goodies which might be paper, ribbon... If you'd like to receive this gift, enter by InLinkz below.

You, my friends, bring me such JOY! I am grateful for your friendship! Please accept this token of my love ♥


In case you get lost...
Heather

Kadie

Karen

Kelly

Lori - you are here!

Lorie

Maria

Paola

Sammi

Stacy

Susan

Catherine - Be sure to HOP to the very end... Catherine has a SPECIAL SURPRISE for those of you wishing to join us in celebrating Christ's birth by posting your own CHRISTmas creations!

Your next stop is Lorie ♥


May God bless you, keep you and comfort your soul